OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

I have a 99 GS400 with 79K miles (I have had it for 21K). It came stock with 16" wheels and I changed to 17". The only other change I made was Daizen front sway bar bushings. I am getting ready to do some major maintenance and thought it might be a good time to change out some suspension parts as well. This is what I am going to do for sure:

Timing belt
Water pump
Rotors (just plan to get Brembo replacements)
Akebono Pro Act pads
Bridgestone Potenza RE960 A/S Pole Position tires (stock size of 235/45/17)

I don't drive this car hard in turns or curves and all I am interested in is a great riding car that will go fast when I want it to and that will last me another 100K miles.

I am ignorant regarding these parts and will rely on the collective wisdom of the forum. Do I need to replace Steering rack bushings, control arms, ball joints or what? I am just hoping to get all of this done at once and would like to do it before I get the new tires. What say you?

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

From what I can determine from reading countless threads I probably should bite the bullet and replace lower ball joints, outer tie rods, control arm bushings, steering rack bushings. I figure I am looking at 20+ hours labor and sure hope I can find someone in the Nashville area willing to do this for only one arm and leg.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

Well I have no idea if I am pouring money down the drain or not but I found a shop that will install the steering rack bushings, control arm bushings, lower ball joints and outer tie rods for $750. I can't wait for all of this stuff to get here and get it installed.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Do you have any mechanical experiences? If so, the steering rack bushing, lower ball joint and outer tie-rods can be done easily. Leave the control arm bushing for the shop to do.

OutlawTita

iTrader: (1)

zero experience for me....about all I can do is change fluids.

w_star_001

definitely change the ball joints. inspect the tie-rods and if they are fine you don't really need to replace them, but it's your call. when installing the bushings ask them to use good amount of grease to prevent future noise problems.